ANTI-HEPATOTOXIC PROPERTY OF ROOTS AND LEAVES OF CHASSALIA CURVIFLORA (WALL.) THWAITES AGAINST CCL4 INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS

In the present study the roots and leaf ethanolic extracts of Chassalia curviflora were screened for their anti hepatotoxic and anti oxidant effects in experimentally induced liver injury by carbon tetra chloride. Liver serum marker enzymes as well as antioxidant enzymes mainly superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels were determined. The plant root and leaf ethanolic extracts at 50, 100, 200 mg concentrations significantly (**P ≤ 0.05) reduced the elevated serum hepato specific enzyme [serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SAKP), serum bilirubin (SB)] and cholesterol levels induced by CCl4. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and non enzymatic reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were increased whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) level was reduced by the extracts. Compared to the leaf extract, root extract significantly reduced serum hepato parameters and increased the levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in a dose dependent manner. The results were comparable to that of silymarin, reference drug used for the study. The histopathological studies also supported the biochemical findings. Acute toxicity studies revealed that it is safe for pharmacological uses upto 2000mg/kg. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of plant root in hepatoprotection.